Behind the Print: Introduce Mother Goose

Heather has two kids, a 90-pound Bernedoodle, 12-pound Chiweenie, and finds inspiration in the beauty of the flowers and veggies she grows herself.

Did you know that when you purchase one of our exclusive prints, it's like buying (and wearing) a work of art? You’re not only getting an adorable outfit, but you’re also supporting a female artist or designer who is passionate about bringing art and joy into the world.

Our Behind The Print series gives us an intimate look at the artists who hand or digitally draw prints exclusively for Magnetic Me. We learn about what inspires them and their unique design process. 

Today, we talk to Heather Strianese—the incredible illustrator who created our Introduce Mother Goose print.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

Hi, I’m Heather Strianese: I’m an illustrator and mom of two little ones based out of Charlotte, North Carolina. I started my art and design career in New York City in the stationery world, and I love creating cheerful watercolor illustrations with a bit of whimsy and lots of happy colors.

Q: What about your source of inspiration as an artist? 

I am inspired a lot by nature as I'm an avid gardener. I love flowers and being outside. In fact, when I’m not creating new art or chasing my children around, I’m almost always found in my garden, digging in the dirt and snipping off buds to put into a vase. 

Q: What was your inspiration for the Introduce Mother Goose print?

With the Introduce Mother Goose print, I wanted to create something sweet and a bit nostalgic. I also wanted something that was gender neutral. I didn’t find out the sex of either of my babies before they were born, and I love the idea that this art can fit any style nursery. 

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your design process?

I am always writing down and collecting ideas of what I’d like to illustrate. My illustrations always begin with a hand-sketched idea that I will then scan into the computer and play around with potential colorways. Once I’m satisfied with colors, I will hand-paint the design with watercolor. Then it’s back to the computer to clean up the art and perfect the color. It’s a bit of back and forth from hand-to-computer, but I love using multiple tools to create my work.

Q: How does it make you feel to know this print exists as living art in the world? What feelings or emotions do you hope this print evokes? 

Oh, I love it! I am so proud and delighted to know that this artwork will be worn by babies and children all over the world. What a gift that this is my career!

Q: Tell us a bit more about yourself – a few fun facts, perhaps? 

I love to travel and have been all over the world, from Asia to Africa. Right after I got married, my husband and I moved to Italy for a little while. I’m also a huge dog lover and have had a dog most of my life. Right now we have a 90 pound Bernedoodle and a little 12 pound Chiweenie.

When I’m not creating new art, I love digging in the dirt. I grow lots of veggies and flowers every year.